Forestry A–Z.

Janet Collins is a freelance writer in Sechelt, British Columbia.

Be warned: This is not a typical A-Z book, the type to help young readers learn the alphabet. Rather, it is a device for teaching the various aspects of the complex forestry industry.

Each letter is introduced by a sentence dominated by words beginning with that letter. For example, “Perfect peelers are picked to make plywood.” Text explaining the terms follows. And in case those words need further explanation—e.g. “peelers” are not women performing in seedy bars—the alphabet and corresponding unique forestry terms are recapped in glossary-style form at the back of the book.

While the words will no doubt lead to a greater understanding of all things forestry, it is the photographs that give the book added value. Photos of the various machinery used in the forest, mill, and seedling farm help explain the complexities of the industry while images of birds, animals, and other plants highlight the relationships trees have with other life forms, even pine beetles, fire, and other things that do the trees harm.

It is the photographs of the men and women (including visible minorities) working in the industry as well as manufacturers and users of end products, however, that drive home the fact that everyone benefits from a healthy forestry sector. The point is underscored in the acknowledgements, which include individuals working in the various branches of the forestry sector, secondary industries that depend on forestry, as well as artisans and poets who earn their livelihood from working with wood-based products.

A must-have for any library where forestry plays a large role in the local economy. Recommended.